Radiation Treatment of Synchronous Gynaecologic Cancer: a Clinical Case

Abstract

Introduction. Recent years have witnessed an increased incidence of multiple neoplasms. In multiple combined cancer, the choice of treatment strategy remains challenging, as two or more tumours require treatment in the shortest perspective. However, an intense treatment may induce many and severe complications with co-located organs and systems. No universal protocol or treatment standard for managing multiple primary cancers is accepted in Russia or worldwide.

Materials and methods. The clinical case describes radiation treatment of a female patient with synchronous gynaecologic cancer of vagina and endometrium at the “TOOD” medical facility’s radiotherapy unit. Our treatment was designed to maximise the dosage targeting at a minimal off-coverage of healthy tissues. The treatment was conducted in two steps on an Elekta Synergy Platform S instrument, with the total duration of 62 days.

Results and discussion. After radiotherapy, the patient had an oncologic and gynaecologic observation for one year. A complete tumour regression in two localities was confirmed visually, cytologically and instrumentally.

Conclusion. A treatment strategy in multiple primary cancers should be personalised. With unfeasible “standard therapy”, alternative approaches for the patient’s treatment are to be explored. We report a successful therapy in a woman with synchronous gynaecologic cancer by applying remote conformal radiation in regional uterine cancers with simultaneous integrated boost to the vaginal tumour during the first radiation step. Brachytherapy at the second step was replaced with stereotactic radiation due to vaginal constriction, pain syndrome and unfeasible applicator installation.